Nature And Art Converge In 'Art That Blooms' Weekend At Bucks

NEWTOWN, PA — The beauty of nature and art converge in Newtown this weekend during Bucks County Community College’s fifth annual Art that Blooms festival.

The two-day collaborative event brings the worlds of fine art and floral design together at the Hicks Art Center, located on the east end of the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown.

Floral design instructor Renee Tucci, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, tells Patch this year's exhibition will feature dozens of imaginative floral displays paired alongside student-crafted paintings,
sculptures, and woodwork. More than 60 art and floral design students are expected to participate.

“This year’s theme, 'Dynamic,' perfectly captures the energy and movement our designers bring to the event," said Tucci, whose students have exhibited at the Philadelphia Flower Show for the past two years. "Visitors can expect an immersive
experience where art and floral design continuously engage with one another, from live hourly demonstrations to interactive hands-on sessions. It’s an exciting showcase of
innovation, momentum, and creative transformation."

Art that Blooms takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 7, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 8.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can watch live demonstrations at the top and bottom of every hour, presented by the School of Visual and Performing Arts and the
Continuing Education floral design teams.

This arrangement was created by floral design instructor Shannon Toal for last year's show. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A place setting at last year's show. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

Jennifer O'Donnell of Bensalem created this arrangement for last year's show. "I fell in love with this color palette and incorporated beer bottle flowers, an old Tupperware bowl and a trellis with a heartfelt meaning to me," she wrote in her description.

“New to the show this year is the Bucks Bloom Shop, where fresh flowers to carry and wear will be available to purchase,” Tucci added. “Proceeds of all flowers and snack sales will benefit the Continuing Education and Floral Design Program.”

The popular “make and take” interactive, hands-on workshops return for both children and adults. Guests may sign up to take part when they arrive, as openings fill up fast.

And the Makers Market Vendor Fair is back, offering a marketplace where guests can browse and shop from local crafters while exploring the exhibition.

On Sunday at 3 p.m., judges will announce the winners for the Showpiece, the Designer of the Year Competition, and the People’s Choice award.

Community members are invited to roam the halls of the Hicks Art Center freely during festival hours. For more information, visit bucks.edu/art-that-blooms or email
bucksfloraldesign@gmail.com.

Event Details

• 5th Annual Art That Blooms Festival
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 7 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun. Nov. 8; awards ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday
• Hicks Art Center, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown 18940
• Admission: Free
• Key Attractions: Live floral and art demonstrations, Bucks Blooms Shop fresh flower sale, Make & Take hands-on sessions, Makers Market Vendor Fair

Isabelle Kondel of Holland created this arrangement in the interpretive category for last year's show. (Jeff Werner/Patch)